Informing and developing professional practice: How international educational programs influence nurse and midwife professional practice

Aim: This paper forms part of a grounded theory study that aimed to determine the impact of an international mobility program during a nurse's or midwife's pre-registration program on their subsequent nursing and/or midwifery practice. The focus of this article is on how nursing and midwifery professional practice was informed and developed through participation in international educational programs. Background: Participation in an international educational program during a nurse's or midwife's pre-registration education is known to have many positive benefits, however, previous studies have highlighted a need to investigate long-term outcomes on professional practice. Methods: Using Charmaz's constructivist grounded theory approach, 13 general nurses, 2 mental health nurses, 3 midwives, and 4 dual-qualified nurse/midwives from 8 different countries were interviewed. Data were analysed following coding procedures, with three categories constructed. This paper focuses on the category conceptualised as Informing and developing professional practice. Findings: Participants experienced different healthcare systems and being reflective and applying knowledge to current practice contributed to the development of professional practice. International educational programs were also found to assist in aspiring and cementing decisions for many regarding their future nursing or midwifery practice. Conclusion: Participation in an international educational program has an ongoing and positive influence on a nurse's or midwife's professional practice.